#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Incomparable storyteller Danielle Steel illuminates rarely glimpsed precincts of unimaginable wealth and power, where love and freedom are the most dangerous desires of all. Natasha Leonova’s beauty saved her life. Discovered starving on a freezing Moscow street by a Russian billionaire, she has lived for seven years under his protection, immersed in rarefied … immersed in rarefied luxury, while he pursues his activities in a dark world that she guesses at but never sees. Her home is the world, often on one of Vladimir Stanislas’s spectacular yachts manned by scores of heavily armed crew members. Natasha’s job is to keep Vladimir happy, ask no questions, and be discreet. She knows her place, and the rules. She feels fortunate to be spoiled and protected, and is careful not to dwell on Vladimir’s ruthlessness or the deadly circles he moves in. She experiences only his kindness and generosity and believes he will always keep her safe. She is unfailingly loyal to him in exchange.
Theo Luca is the son of a brilliant, world famous, and difficult artist, Lorenzo Luca, who left his wife and son with a fortune in artwork they refuse to sell. Lorenzo’s widow, Maylis, has transformed their home in St. Paul de Vence into a celebrated restaurant decorated with her late husband’s paintings, and treats it as a museum. There, on a warm June evening, Theo first encounters Natasha, the most exquisite woman he has ever seen. And there, Vladimir lays eyes on Luca’s artwork. Two dangerous obsessions begin.
Theo, a gifted artist in his own right, finds himself feverishly painting Natasha’s image for weeks after their first meeting. Vladimir, enraged that Lorenzo’s works are not for sale, is determined to secure a painting at any price. And Natasha, who knows that she cannot afford to make even one false move, nevertheless begins to think of a world of freedom she can never experience as Vladimir’s mistress. She cannot risk her safety for another man, or even a conversation with him, as Theo longs for a woman he can never have.
From Moscow to the Riviera, London, and Paris, The Mistress is a riveting tale of vast fortune, cruelty, creative genius, and daring courage, as uncompromising individuals chart a course for collision.
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A good read. Although expensive, I enjoy this author. A story about a kept woman, who receives all the best life has to give, simply by living with a wealthy, but cruel man. A life of riches can’t compensate, however, for being held in a prison type environment, where everything she does, says and wears is dictated.
Enjoyable, light summer read of a young Russian girl who leads a life we could wish we had. Traveling from one beautiful place to another, wearing high fashion and jewels. Sounds lovely ???? Only thing is….you are at the beck and call of a super rich Russian protector. I enjoyed reading how she starts to explore the world outside her bubble.
Usually love her books but did not like this one – did not even finish.
I’ve read many Danielle Steel books and this one did not disappoint. She just keeps getting better and better.
Its inspirational
It’s been years since I’ve picked up a Danielle Steel book, and recently started getting them again at thrift stores. Now have been picking some up at grocery stores too.
I thought that this book was very interesting and I would recommend it to everyone. I did give to my friend to read. And she is reading it now. I hope she likes it as much as I did.
good
normal steel book
Loved this book from the 1st page. Great characters that you remember long after you’ve finished reading. Danielle Steel draws back the curtain on the rich and not so famous. If you like reading books about how the other half lives, this book is for you.
Better than most other DS books. Haven’t read one for a very long time and while the end is predictable, the storyline and characters held my interest. Not a five star romance novel but I recommend it.
Good read.
I enjoyed the story line. Recommend as a quick but interesting read.
Good to read some of her work again
Mostly just descriptions of the lifestyle of a Russian mistress. Very disappointed in the lack of a serious plot.
enjoyed it
Was disappointed in the ending….
Heartwarming story with interesting characters. Typical Danielle Steele format.
True to form, Danielle Steele delivers a great book. Hard to put down, entertaining with a little suspense thrown in.
I loved this book, turned the pages quickly!!
Good story with insite of those people at that time in history.